West Nile Virus Found in Gooding and Twin Falls Counties

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August 11, 2021

West Nile Virus Found in Gooding and Twin Falls Counties  

 

South Central Idaho- Recent testing from the Twin Falls County Pest Abatement District (TFCPAD) found mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in both Gooding and Twin Falls counties. South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) joins TFCPAD in warning residents to act now to avoid catching the disease. 

 

“West Nile virus mostly causes minor symptoms, but it can be incredibly painful for some,” said Tanis Maxwell, SCPHD Epidemiology Manager. “It’s important to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites to protect yourself and your family.” 

 

Residents can protect against mosquito bites by:  

  • Using insect repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitos carrying the virus are most active. 
  • Wearing loose-fitting clothes with long sleeves and pants.  
  • Installing screens on all windows and doors.  
  • Checking for, and draining, any standing water around your home every three to six days. This includes clogged rain gutters, pools, bird baths, old tires and other outside water features. 
 
Typical symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. People over 50 years old, with serious medical conditions, are at greater risk for serious illness from the virus. More severe infections may involve the central nervous system.  

TFCPAD has increased surveillance in the areas where mosquitos with the virus were found and will be continuing treatments to help reduce mosquito populations. Ongoing surveillance and treatments across Twin Falls County will continue and TFCPAD encourages everyone to drain standing water, wear long sleeves and pants and use an approved EPA repellant to help fight the bite. 
Contact:
Brianna Bodily, Public Information Officer
(208) 737-5985